I used to get out the albums earlyshowed my mom(the one that I prayed for)which one I wanted to play first.It was always Julie Andrews.Over time she finally let me put the records on,She let me pickStating, and I quote:

“IlikethemallsowhicheveroneYouchoosewillbeperfect!”

perfect?

Wow.I’ve never been perfectEspecially at ChristmasI learned how to set the needle down gentlyI sometimes hear morphed versions ofmy Past Christmas TreasuresI know all the words.

On the coffee and tea isleI slightly sway back and forthas if still in the arms of my mother.My knuckles swollen,pale against the red grocery cart handle.